The area was part of the Crow Indian Reservation from 1874 to 1904 when the government purchased the 35,000 acres (140 km2), stretching across 27 miles (43 km) from Huntley, east to the Little Bull Mountains.

[3] Yellowstone County deputies arrested four teens, all current or former Huntley Project students, in connection with the fire.

Court records say the teens later returned to the school and set fires in the chemistry room and an office.

[8] Michael John Victoria II, 16, was charged as an adult in District Court with arson and burglary as well.

[9] Two younger teens, a boy and girl both aged 14, were cited in youth court in connection with the fire.